Though not directly in the Pantone color forecast for fall 2016, oxblood, maroon and burgundy all have burst on the street-wear palette scene, from shoes to sweaters. Heavily predicted for the spring-summer 2017 season, these rich red-purple hues have come out to play while still on the runway—and rightly so. What better color for the season? Warm, inviting, reminiscent of the shifting leaves on sugar maples, yet with just that touch more blue, adding in a mix of mystique-meets-punk. And anyone who’s picked up any fashion publication this season has seen the ’70s are in…so of course punk comes with the territory.
This Fashionista stood out, not just with a serious ’70s cropped denim vest and super RAD high-waisted trousers, but by pairing her vintage Sears catalogue look with plum-meets-maroon tresses that even Dame Vivienne Westwood would surely approve of. Despite her blunt bangs and undercut, her hair’s purple-maroon hue seemed to blend right into her look: an effortless combination of ’70s style from both sides of The Channel.
Not only does this color and cut work for summer to September season, but carries right over to October, and all its tricks and treats. A naturally versatile color in clothes, Pantone 216 U (respectively) becomes an accessory in itself. Though in this case, aforementioned Fashionista opted for the sweet “treat”-ment (see: softening the look with minimal makeup, balancing out her bold hair with the contrasting colors in her pants, and tying it altogether with her pink-soled oxfords), this hair could easily be made to pop. With some dark lipstick, black midi and leather jacket, she’d be all set to go for a night out at some October-evening event. The “trick?” No necklace necessary—cue up The Clash (maybe some faux fangs?), and she’d be ready to roll.
Anyway she might work it, the only accessorizing she’d need for the day—or night—would be her plucky, plum-tone hair; It’s straight-up rock’n’RAD, man.
With this trending color seen on the streets, it’s easy to pull off edgy or effortless. Whether you’re feeling “London Calling,” trying to find a way to make maroon your own or maybe just wanting to take your summer color to spooky season without going Morticia Addams, this is one rockin’ color that’s simply to “dye” for. Find the shade that’s right for your skin tone, and go for it! For the subdued daytime style of this Fashionista, try pairing the maroon hair hue with a orange-neutral tone lip and bold brows to play down the purple while keeping the “pop.”
